Georgetown Rowley State Forest is one of the best-known places to ride your ATV in Massachusetts. Snowmobiles, horseback and motorcycle riders, hikers and off-road vehicles are all welcome in the forest. In the state there are only 7 parks that allow multi-use trail systems. The nearest to this forest is F. Gilbert Hills State Forest which is 50-miles away in the town of Foxborough.
The sale of ATVs has increased in Massachusetts nearly 300 percent. With the number of state registered ATVs jumping from a little over 1100 to over 6400 ATV riders. Unfortunately the state designated places to ride in the state of Massachusetts has fallen from 23 to a mere 7 state sanctioned riding areas. The state has put together a listing of criteria for creating new riding areas; one of the requirements is that the park or riding area under consideration must have at least 30-miles of trails available to them. Other considerations include raising the minimum age of riding an ATV from 10-years old to 12-years old with parental supervision. Currently lights, brakes and noise mufflers are required to ride ATVs and will continue to be a requirement.
As the number of ATVers grows in Massachusetts, the need for safe, enjoyable places to ride will increase. If you live in the state and you're an avid ATV enthusiast, stay apprised of the changes for ATVs and get involved with a local group to keep the trails you love to ride open. Volunteering for clean ups and helping maintain the trails is a great way to show community support for keeping the ATV trails open and maintained.
